NORFOLK, Va. — Officials running the Military Circle Mall COVID-19 testing clinic in Norfolk are calling it a huge success.
Some people have said it’s still difficult to find or get an appointment for a COVID-19 test at urgent care facilities, which is why leaders with the Virginia Department of Health started offering free COVID testing at Military Circle Mall.
Every Monday since late August, thousands of people have taken advantage of the free resource. Health leaders across Hampton Roads have worked together to run the site, offering the PCR test every Monday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. for anyone ages 3 and up.
Jerry Tucker, who is Chesapeake's Public Health Emergency Manager, said they are seeing about 80 to 100 people needing a COVID-19 test every week. Because of that, health leaders brought in a state contractor to handle all of the testings.
"We feel that the public is beginning to see the need for both testing and vaccinations in combination efforts to combat this pandemic," Tucker said. "We are very happy with the increased awareness."
Health department leaders said they plan to keep the testing going until there’s no longer a need.
Note that Mondays at the Military Circle Mall clinic are for testing only. The site is open for vaccinations on Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m until 7:30 p.m.